Best Ultralight Fishing Rod in 2019 | Picked By Successful Anglers

If you prefer speed, attention, and sensitivity to power plays, ultralight fishing might be your arena. Apparently, ultralight fishing is as heavy and broad as light as its name sounds. You basically fish for bigger fishes with a smaller setting. However, it’s not actually the big species you fish but just fishes larger than what your rod would usually be able to deal with. What’s the fun in that? Well, you know how you would feel if you were the youngest in a group and you still win a competition? The thrill here is similar to that.

When matters about light, in this intense case, ultra light products rise up, it’s not just the weight that has to be considered but the strength as well. Your ultralight rod is totally useless if it as weak as its weight. It can’t even stand the wind so how can you expect it to fight fishes bigger than itself. This is where various factors related to its construction and design comes into play. You have to be aware of each of these in order to find the best ultralight fishing rod for yourself. We will introduce you to these factors and also the best ultralight fishing rod available right now.

​10 Best Ultralight Fishing Rod in 2019:

​1. ​Sougayilang Ultralight Fishing Rod

Are your travels monotonous without some fishing involved? You can make even the shortest trips fun by keeping the Sougayilang rod with you. It won’t be a hassle to keep it either. Apparently, it’s one of the easiest ultralights to transport. As it’s a telescopic rod, it’s quite small in size and is also collapsible. Furthermore, you get to choose from various lengths and sizes of it. Most reels work fine with it as well. Apart from that, all you will enjoy is pure perfection and high performance. You will be to fish a large number of species with this rod as it is suitable for use in both saltwater and freshwater.

In fact, you will have almost nothing to complain about when it comes to its build. The rod is made of 24 tons of carbon fiber. With this sturdy construction, you can lift up to 10 tons easily. Moreover, the rod features a ceramic insert. This makes the guide completely corrosion-free increasing its longevity. So, with the strength and efficiency of this rod, you will always be prepared to go fishing wherever you are with your luggage.

Pros

​​Great companion for travels as it is very portable.

​​Available in various lengths and sizes to fit your needs.

​​High-quality construction with an emphasis on important points.

​​​Can target a good range of species.

​​​Lightweight and perfectly balanced.

​​​Handle made of EVA foam is quite comfortable.

​​​​Powerful and also sensitive.

Cons

​​​Many found it too flimsy.

​​​The longer rods would have done better if they were a bit thicker and stronger.

2. ​Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods

You won’t ever find a rod as stylish, efficient, and also effective as this at the price it comes at. As it is a graphite rod, you can expect all the sensitivity you need from it. In fact, you will feel your prey’s slightest peck. Furthermore, do not worry about the rod being too stiff. It is stiff but in the right places to give you enough flexibility to fish peacefully. You can say it has the right balance between flexibility and stiffness. It features aluminum guide inserts which serve the purpose well. Then, there are the stainless steel hooded seats. While most customers are satisfied with it, there are still a few who complain about having to screw it a couple of times. However, that might be due to the wrong reel used as well. So, it’s best to give this rod a good try considering all its excellent qualities instead of letting it go for an uncertain complaint.

The cork handles will satisfy you more as they are not just comfortable but lightweight as well. You will get the best results from this rod if you are preying on lightweight fishes.

Pros

​​​High sensitivity.

​​​Feature the right balance between stiffness and flexibility.

​​​Budget-friendly.

​​​​Good looking.

​​​​Comfortable to use with its cork handle.

Cons

​​​​The ceramic ring is neither durable nor efficient.

​​​​The rod overall is not very durable as it broke after the first use in many cases.

3. ​TROUTBOY Black Warrior Ultra Light Fishing Rod

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fisher, this is a rod you can take with you anywhere to enjoy fishing. Like the first rod we mentioned, this is another telescopic rod that is great as a travel companion for adventurers. Because not only is it lightweight but ultra lightweight and also collapsible. While some did face trouble with the collapse mechanism, most people are delighted with it so you can relax. As for the build, the blank is made of high-density 24-ton carbon fiber. So, the rod is quite powerful yet lightweight. Furthermore, the rod is highly sensitive so you won’t miss even the mildest pecks. The reel seat is made of corrosion-resistant CNC machined aluminum so it will hold your reel well and keep it stable. Moreover, the guide is stainless steel with a ceramic ring making it suitable for saltwater as well. You can put both mono and brain lines through it.

Apparently, you have a number of lengths to choose from. Each length comes with its own action and power so you can find one that suits your needs. Moreover, there are specifications for the reels for each size so you won’t have to look or test the reels too much to which will fit the rod. The rod can deal with fighting small fishes a well, however, not the heavy ones. Some consider the rod’s pole to be so stiff that it is prone to breaking.

​4. KastKing Calamus Ultra-Light Weight Spinning Fishing Rods

If you want each and every part of your rod lightweight, not just the whole rod, but each and every part then this is the rod you need. KastKing manufacturers its ultralight rods using the new materials like IM7. Apparently, IM7 is one of the lightest material for rods. Moreover, they are not just light but strong and sensitive as well. So, with IM7 with a strain rate of 650K in the blank, you can expect great things from the rod. In order to make the rods even lighter, they keep the tube hollow. Apart from that, instead of using heavier materials like stainless steel, guides and rings are made of T-mark Titanium. This makes the rod even more lightweight. Likewise, the SKSS 2 piece reel seat is also lightweight but very strong and stable.

Apparently, there are nine rods of this kind that you can choose from but each with increasing length and weight. The ultralight one weighs about 2.5 ounces. You can easily prey on panfish and smaller trouts with the ultralight model. Lastly, the rod is quite comfortable to use with its EVA handles as well. If you do not trust new materials and innovative designs, this will be a good point to start trusting as the rod will bring your faith in innovation.

Pros

​​​​Each and every part is constructed keeping its weight in mind.

​​​​Very lightweight IM6 calamus blank.

​​​​Good-quality guides and reel seat that are lightweight as well.

​​​​​Strong and sensitive.

​​​​​Great for panfish and smaller trout fishing.

​​​​​​Comfortable to use.

Cons

​​​​Not all the parts are as durable as they are lightweight.

​​​​​Many of the parts easily gave on to the fishes and broke or fell off.

​5. Eagle Claw Featherlight Spinning Rod

Are you looking for a rod that will withstand storms for you? Well, it is unfair to expect both lightweight and invincible strength from a fishing rod. But, Eagle Claw does not pay any heed to negativity and is here with the Featherlight spinning rod which is not just light as a feather but strong almost as a brick. However, do not go fishing for giants with an ultralight rod as it won’t be relatively strong then. The reason behind its strength is definitely the fiberglass blank. Fiberglass can in no way be underestimated when it comes to might. But, that does not mean this rod falls short in sensitivity either. It is very sensitive to even the slightest touches and you won’t miss a thing.

With a length of 6 feet, this rod has two parts. You can fish for trouts weighing from 2-6 lbs with this rod without any difficulty. The reel seat and guides are also of high-quality and completely suit the overall construction. Furthermore, the cork handles will keep you comfortable feeling good and light.

Pros

​​​​​Very durable and strong in the build.

​​​​​Although made from fiberglass, it is highly sensitive as well.

​​​​​Features two piece construction.

​​​​​​Good-quality reel seat and guides.

​​​​​​Comfortable handle.

Cons

​​​​​Some of the smaller parts like the guide may arrive with defects which need a bit of fixture and will be ready to go.

​​​​​​While the material used is of high-quality, the build quality is not flawless.

​6. Goture 1 Piece Carp Carbon Fiber Ultralight Fishing Rod

You will be amazed seeing how much these rods resemble sugarcane. In fact, a fish might just come close to it mistaking it to be something so natural. Apparently, this look is the contribution of both the shade and the three spare segments for replacement. You get a number of series and sizes to choose from. Therefore, you will never end up with something you did not want. It has a high-quality carbon fiber construction with reinforced internal parts for enhanced strength and stability. So, yes, you can deal with trouts quite well even if they fight. However, the manufacturer mentions that this rod is strong but not immortal. If you mishandle it, it will definitely break in seconds. So, don’t.

This rod is quite easy to transport thanks to its closed length design and also weight. It is quite flexible as well. However, the overall quality of this product may not be very delighting. There are many complaints about the handle being of low quality and even falling off. Although the manufacturer mentions using this rod carefully, many customers saw it breaking even when handled with care. So, the durability is questionable while the rod itself performs quite well.

Pros

​​​​​​Strong carbon fiber build.

​​​​​​One-piece construction so less hassle.

​​​​​​Very portable with its closed length design.

​​​​​​​Available in various sizes and series.

​​​​​​​Three spare segments for replacement.

​​​​​​​​Very flexible.

Cons

​​​​​​​The rod seems to break easily even when handled carefully.

​​​​​​​Low-quality and uncomfortable handle.

​​​​​​​The overall build quality is not the best as it often has loose parts.

​7. ​DAIWA Spinmatic, Spinning Rod, Ultra-Light, 8-Feet

Are you looking for a rod that won’t ditch you when it starts to rain? You got it! The DAIWA Spinmatic is such a rod that is weatherproof. It has a cork handle that is lightweight and which not only provides you with a firm grip but provides you with it in any weather. Apparently, this rod has a graphite blank that is very sensitive to even the slightest touches, However, that does not mean that it’s not strong. The rod has a great backbone and will help you catch fishes from a large range of fishes. But, since it’s ultralight don’t expect to catch too big fishes. It has aluminum oxide guides that have reduced chances of friction. Furthermore, it has a reel seat that is very reliable. You will probably never see your reel falling off or getting loose. The rod also features a hook keeper.

You can cast really far for trout, panfish, and crappies. Furthermore, it has great action and is smooth in its tasks. You won’t have to replace or return it anytime soon thanks to its quality build and durability.

8. Daiwa PSO704ULFS-TR Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod

This is another well-performing rod made of IM-7 Graphite blank. It’s not just that, in fact, this rod also has micro-pitch taping on its black for improved strength and sensitivity. Therefore, you do not have to face any trouble regarding the imbalance between sensitivity and strength. This rod provides you with a combination of both. Moreover, it is super lightweight thanks to each of its lightweight parts as well. The reel seat is minimal with a machined clamp nut and woven graphite inserts. Also, the black ring guides are also minimal in weight.

You will feel completely comfortable using this rod for hours thanks to the cork handle. Apparently, even the cork handle contributes to keeping the rod lightweight. While it casts quite well, you might find it easier to cast heavier lures than ultralight ones with it due to its hard body. But, it does the job well.

Pros

​​​​​​​Lightweight yet strong and powerful.

​​​​​​​Minimal reel seat design that is sturdy.

​​​​​​​Efficient ring guides.

​​​​​​​Good sensitivity.

​​​​​​​​Casts well.

​​​​​​​​Smooth action.

​​​​​​​​​Reasonable price.

Cons

​​​​​​​​​The rod is capable of casting lightweight lures rather than ultralight ones.

9. FISHINGSIR Dreamcaster Ultra-Light Fishing Rods

If you are a beginner and you are looking for an easy yet risk-free (cheap) way to start, the Dreamcaster might just be the companion to achieving your fishing dreams. Just as the name suggests, this rod, apparently, casts long and far and really well. You can be disappointed with everything but there is no way that you will be disappointed with its casts unless there is a defect. It is a traditional two-piece rod with a graphite construction which makes it very sensitive to touches. Therefore, you will never miss out on a fish. Furthermore, it’s not just lightweight but is capable of delivering extra strength when you need it. Apparently, it has four angle-wrapping techs to keep the power flowing.

One of the reasons behind its smooth long casts is the tip flexibility. You will never have to worry about the reel and the reel seat. Because the reel seat is not just graphite but is capable of locking the reel in place. Furthermore, the guides are stainless steel which as corrosion-resistant as possible. The EVA foam handles will keep you comfortable as well but not exactly lightweight.

10. ​Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod

Do you feel like fishing all day but know that your body won’t be able to take it? Well, this telescopic fishing rod tries to make things as light and easy as possible for your body. Apparently, it is made of high density 24-ton carbon fiber which not only makes it lightweight but very strong as well. It also has E-Glass composite in it which keeps it perfectly balanced and this helps to reduce strain on your hands. Furthermore, you can use it anywhere you want and take it everywhere you go. Not only does it have a closed length but also is retractable.

The reel seat and guides should not worry you either. CNC machined aluminum makes the reel seat so it is lightweight and sturdy plus corrosion-free. Furthermore, it also locks your reel in place so you will never see it falling. The guides are stainless steel and have designs that support tangle-free operation. You can use both mono and braid lines with it in both saltwater and freshwater. However, one drawback about this rod is the absence of attention to details by manufacturers. While they use high-quality materials in it, they do not make sure that the parts are attached correctly. Apart from that, you will get a number of sizes to choose from so you will never be dissatisfied with the size and specifications you receive.

Pros

​​​​​​​​Lightweight and perfectly balanced to reduce fatigue.

​​​​​​​​Flexible and quite sensitive.

​​​​​​​​Strong and sturdy with great action.

​​​​​​​​​​Good quality materials used in its builds.

​​​​​​​​​​Easy to transport.

​​​​​​​​​​Lots of sizes to choose from.

Cons

​​​​​​​​​​Less attention to detail.

​​​​​​​​​​Parts tend to come loose or fall off due to poor-quality attachments at junction points.

​​Ultralight Fishing Rod Buying Guide

You yourself should dive into the water out of disappointment in yourself if your ultralight rod snaps in half because you did not have enough knowledge while buying it. So, consider the following things to be able to keep your head when you go to complain if any of these malfunctions:

1. The Kind Of Species You Will Be Fishing For:

You cannot exactly fish the larger species with an ultralight rod. If you do, the blame of the rod snapping in two after two seconds into the water will be on you, not the rod or company. Therefore, decide the kind of species you will fish for or which is available in the water body you will go fishing in. Based on that, decide if you need an ultralight rod or some other kind of rod. If you do need an ultralight, consider further things like the weight of the species that you are targeting.

2. The Material That Makes Each Of Its Parts:

This is not a very complex matter to look into.Fishing rods are generally made of either fiberglass or graphite or both. Now, which should you consider more? Considering that you are looking for an ultralight rod, it’s best to go with graphite. Because graphite rods are lighter and also has high sensitivity. However, one drawback is that they are more prone to cracks and snaps. On the other hand, fiberglass is stiff and very strong but not with high sensitivity. You can expect it to not have any cracks or snaps but you won’t find it very responsive.

Another good option you have is their combinations. You get sensitivity, strength, and durability all in one. However, this kind of rod’s strength will be less than that of a fiberglass one and sensitivity less than that of a graphite one.

Carbon fiber is an increasingly popular material for ultralight rods now due to their lightweight yet strong physique.

When it comes to other parts, it’s basically the guides you should look into first. Well, guides will be in contact with various parts and environment more so it has to be corrosion resistant. And, stainless steel guides are probably the best option as they will not just be durable but also efficient.

3. The Rod Action You Need And Should Have:

Apparently, you get an idea about the flexibility of the rod from its action. What does flexibility contribute in? It contributes to determining how much weight the rod is capable of handling and how good it can put up a fight. You will get five actions to choose from- extra fast, fast, moderate-fast, moderate, slow. The extra fast action bends only at a fraction of the end part of the rod while the slow action will bend throughout the body up to the handles. So, what the fast action does is enable the rod to cast long lines to catch heavier fishes with its stiff body. On the other hand, the slower action rods are neither suitable for heavy lines nor long distance. So, you have to use the fast action for larger species and the slower actions for lighter preys while the moderate ones can be used for anything in between.

4. The Rod Power You Require:

The main difference between the rod power and actions is that the action focuses more on the place and the power more on the species. Apparently, the heavier the power of a rod, the heavier and aggressive species it can target. All fishes put up a fight but the fight is more aggressive when the fishes are big and use their superior strength. A rod with more power will be able to accommodate heavier and thicker lines in it. The heavier and thicker lines will be able to deal with the larger species better with their greater tensile strength. However, if you are using an ultralight rod, you will basically have a line weight limit of 6lbs and under. It is better to avoid heavier rods to keep the balance between the weights.

5. The Stability Of The Reel Seats:

Out of all the parts of your rod, it would be a shame to see the reel falling. Why would it fall? If it does not fit the reel seat correctly, or if the reel seat is not efficient enough to hold it. In fact, the reel seat itself should be of high quality and consistent performance to keep the reel in place and functioning smoothly.

6. The Reel:

With ultralight rods, it is better to have ultralight or at least lighter and smaller reels. It’s not just a matter of proportions but performance as well. Moreover, even professionals find that ultralight fishing is done best with a spinning reel. Because a spinning reel provides better control over it and it is easier to use as well.

7. The Handles:

Apparently, the handles should not just be comfortable but lightweight as well. Therefore, you can look for handles made of cork rather than EVA foam for reduced weight as it provides a similar level of comfort.

8. The Price:

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the price is a good consideration for buying an ultralight rod. You do not always have to spend a ton to get the best ultralight fishing rod. Beginners can look for low-cost ones and will definitely find something that offers better value than what its price suggests. On the other hand, experts can also do well with the low-cost ones and also the expensive ones if they want. However, it is necessary that you keep in mind that not all expensive ones are of good-quality. After you determine your budget, you have to consider all the above factors to find the right one.

Benefits Of Buying Ultralight Fishing Rod

You wouldn’t buy anything if there were no benefits, would you? So, why would you buy not just a fishing rod but an ultralight one when you can buy the normal ones? Here is a more clear view of what ultralight fishing rods will help you do.

Less Fatigue:

Even the larger rods can help you catch lighter species but they won’t increase your energy. Ultralight fishing rods with their lightweights put almost no strain on you. Unless there is a fish involved, you will barely feel the rod in your hands. So, you can spend a long time fishing without feeling even a bit tired.

Less Space:

You won’t always find open and big spaces to sit on to fish from. Often, you will have to settle for smaller yet vantage locations to fish. In these cases, longer and heavier rods can be a burden. It might bump into obstacles around it and even make you lose a fish. An ultralight rod with its weight and size enables you to use these vantage points to your advantage.

Better Speed And Sensitivity:

You may have noticed through experience that smaller things react more to changes. So, a lighter rod will send even the slightest peck as a response to your hand. Furthermore, it much easier and faster to take actions with lightweight rods rather than heavyweight ones.

Portability:

​If you are an itinerant then ultralight rods are your go-to option as you can carry them anywhere thanks to the size and weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Why Are Most Ultralight Fishing Rods Spinning Rods?

Answer: The answer has more to do with casting than ease of use. While you will find it easier to use ultralight spinning rods that is not the only reason spinning rods are a popular medium for them.

The main reason is that it is easier to cast lighter lures with a spinning reel. Ultralight fishing rods require lighter lures but not all rods will give you ample control over these light lures. The spinning rod is the kind that does so they are popular for it.

​Final notes

You might go fishing every weekend or every day but it’s not every day you buy a fishing rod. And, you just need one rod to get you through hundreds of fishing trips given that it is the right one.

In order to end up with something great you have to endeavor and in order to end up with the best ultralight fishing rod you have to study about it and choose it carefully. Our guide and reviews are dedicated to the sole purpose of serving your purpose.

So, use it wisely to find the best ultralight fishing rod for yourself.

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